All dogs are great dogs! But some are a little pricier than others to make your very own. Annual expenses and cost of ownership for things such as food, grooming, and veterinary care can run into the several thousand dollars each year, not counting one-time costs such as emergency vet visits. But adoption fees can be more than $5000 for some breeds, making them the most expensive dog breeds.
There are currently about 200 AKC-recognized breeds of dogs in every size, color, and coat, with new breeds recognized regularly. While there’s no single database of adoption fees across all breeds, we combed through listings on AKC Marketplace, which is the only site that exclusively lists 100 percent AKC puppies from AKC-registered litters, to find the most expensive dog breeds currently available in the U.S.
Many factors impact how expensive a dog breed is, including how rare a breed is (with fewer breeders raising fewer dogs) to how popular a breed is to each dog’s pedigree or lineage of a dog and its ancestors. In addition, the price of puppies is unique for each breeder, based on their investment in the litter.
The cost take into account expenses such as veterinary care, vaccinations, and testing for the parents and puppies to ensure a dog is healthy. Some breeds, which are rare or newly recognized by AKC, are so uncommon that it’s nearly impossible to find a breeder in the U.S., which makes these dogs even more expensive.
If you’re considering adopting one of the more expensive breeds, make sure to do your homework so you can be a better pet owner. Talk to dog breed clubs and breeders to get an idea of whether a specific breed is right for your family. And don’t forget many amazing mixed breed dogs are available for adoption, typically at much lower costs, through rescue organizations.
Ahead, read on to learn about some of the most expensive dog breeds you can adopt:
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds have been known for their striking good looks and sweet personalities since ancient times. The gorgeous flowing coat protects the dog from harsh mountain conditions in its native Afghanistan. They’re independent-minded dogs but loyal to their people once bonded.
Their lavish coats come in many colors, including white, silver, cream, and black.
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years
Adoption fee: $3500+
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Barbet
One of the newest breeds to be recognized by AKC in 2020, the Barbet is friendly and loyal. Appearing in art as early as the 16th century, this breed was originally used as a water dog for bird hunting in France.
With a calm nature, this breed is happy and serene as long as it receives ample exercise and activities to keep it stimulated and happy.
Their shaggy coats come in black, grey, brown or fawn.
Height: 19 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
Life expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
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Tibetan Mastiff
This ancient breed has always been a guard dog, though they’re mellow dogs with family. As a giant breed with a powerful, massive form, Tibetan Mastiffs are surprisingly agile.
The most expensive Tibetan Mastiff puppy was sold for $2 million in 2014.
The gorgeous coat comes in many colors including red gold, cream, black, black and tan, and brown.
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 90 to 150 pounds
Life expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $3000+
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French Bulldog
Shooting to the top of the list of most popular dog breeds in 2023 and 2024, the French Bulldog is a smart little dog with personality plus, which accounts for its popularity.
They resemble a bulldog, except for its huge bat-like ears. They’re best known for being affectionate and alert and have a playful sense of humor.
The breed comes in a number of colors including white, black, brindle, and fawn
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 28 pounds or less
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $4500+
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Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog may be a giant breed, but its sweet, expressive eyes reveal its true loving nature. The thick, silky coat protects the breed in its native Switzerland.
The breed is good-natured and easy-going with family, though more standoffish with strangers.
Their coats come in several variations including black and white, and black, white, and rust.
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Life expectancy:
7 to 10 years
Adoption fee: $3750+
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Saint Bernard
Originating in the Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard is a sweet and patient breed, known for its love of children. Although the breed isn’t ranked high in AKC registrations, the Saint Bernard has earned its title as a gentle giant. The breed’s beautiful eyes reveal its friendly, intelligent nature.
Their coats come in many different colors including mahogany and white, brown and white and orange and white.
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Life expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Adoption fee: $4500+
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Shikoku
The Shikoku, or Kochi-ken, is originally from the mountain ranges of Japan, on the island of Shikoku. Renowned for its tracking skills, this rare hunting breed is keen, alert, and energetic.
Although not yet registered by AKC, the Shikoku is recognized by international organizations in the U.K. and Japan, and the breed has been eligible to compete in AKC Companion Events since 2010.
The coat can be red, black, tan, or sesame (a mixture of all these colors).
Height: 17 to 22 inches
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
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Akita
The Akita, which also originated in Japan, is an intensely loyal breed. This muscular dog is renowned for its courage and loyalty and should be socialized with people and other dogs at an early age. Akitas typically are quiet and alert but wary of strangers.
Their coats come in many different colors including fawn, brindle, white, red, and black,
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
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Pharaoh Hound
The smart, sleek Pharoah Hound is alert and friendly. This rare breed dates back more than 3,000 years and is known for its unique and sweet manner of blushing when excited or happy.
The coats are light tan with amber eyes and a cute little white-tipped tail.
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Adoption fee: Not available (few breeders with no litters planned)
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Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers originated in Siberia, which explains the breed’s thick, tousled coat. Bred as guard dogs after World War II, they are aloof with strangers.
Courageous and intelligent are words often used to describe these massive dogs. Although they were recognized by AKC in 2004, they still are relatively rare.
Their coats may be black, sable, salt and pepper, or black and tan.
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 80 to 130 pounds
Life expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $4500+
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Löwchen
A beloved breed for more than 500 years, the breed name Löwchen comes from German for “little lion.” With good reason: This rare breed is known for being brave and tough. A little dog with a big heart, the breed is affectionate, sweet, and very smart.
Their coats come in a wide range of colors including sable, chocolate brindle, gold, and fawn.
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Adoption fee: $3500+
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Lancashire Heeler
Super-smart, friendly and quick to learn, the Lancashire Heeler dates to the 17th century. Newly recognized by AKC in 2024, this rare breed is charming and affectionate and loves, loves, loves to walk. They’re also known for their unique ability to “smile,” drawing their lips back when happy.
Their coats are black and tan or liver and tan.
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Adoption fee: Not available (few breeders with no litters planned)
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Azawakh
The Azawakh is a West African hound that has ancient roots dating back more than 1,000 years. The breed is super-fast and loves to run, which owes to its lineage as a hunter of gazelle across the Sahara.
This rare breed, recognized by AKC in 2019, is elegant in appearance but tough and durable.
Their coats come in many colors including fawn, red, brindle, and sandy.
Height: 23 to 29 inches
Weight: 33 to 55 pounds
Life expectancy:
12 to 15 years
Adoption fee: Not available (few breeders with no litters planned)
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Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier, which originated in Germany in the 1980s, is a long-haired tri-colored toy breed with tons of personality. Biewers love to carry toys around, mingle with everyone, and generally act the life of the party. This rare breed actually is pronounced “beaver.”
Their coats are chocolate, tan, and white; black, tan, and white; or blue, tan, and white.
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Life expectancy: 16 years
Adoption fee: $5000+
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Bulldog
Bulldogs are a familiar breed, beloved for their docile personalities and tenacious spirits. Dating to the 1300s, bulldogs need regular exercise to stay trim and fit. But they don’t do well in hot climates and should be left in air-conditioned spaces on hot summer days.
Their coats come in many colors including red, brindle, white and fawn.
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Life expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
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